Name: Crispy General Tso’s Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup cornstarch; 2 eggs, beaten; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, minced; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; 2 green onions, chopped; Sesame seeds for garnish

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why make this recipe

Crispy General Tso’s Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your table. It features tender chicken coated in a crunchy layer, tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce that creates the perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is not only delicious but also a fun way to enjoy a popular takeout meal at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress family and friends with your cooking skills.

how to make Crispy General Tso’s Chicken

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes
2 green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:

Start by marinating the chicken pieces in soy sauce for about 15 minutes.
In one bowl, place the cornstarch, and in another bowl, beat the eggs.
Dip each marinated chicken piece first in the cornstarch, then in the egg, and then back in the cornstarch to create a crispy coating.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In a separate saucepan, combine sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens.
Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

how to serve Crispy General Tso’s Chicken

Crispy General Tso’s Chicken is best served hot. You can serve it over a bed of steamed rice or with crispy fried noodles. Adding some steamed vegetables on the side can also complement the dish well. Feel free to adjust the level of sauce based on personal taste.

how to store Crispy General Tso’s Chicken

If you have leftovers, store Crispy General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 2-3 days. To reheat, you can use an oven or skillet to restore some of the crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, as it may make the coating soggy.

tips to make Crispy General Tso’s Chicken

Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve the best crispiness.
For extra flavor, you can add some sesame oil to the frying pan.
If you like it spicier, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.

variation (if any)

You can customize this dish by using different proteins such as shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, you can experiment with different vegetables in the sauce for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add more flavor due to their higher fat content.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your cornstarch is also gluten-free.

3. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before tossing it with the fried chicken.